Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are safe and effective. If used as directed they offer a low-risk of abuse.
It is usually best to select stimulants with a long-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the first choice of a doctor's medication to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, and can improve concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs are able to assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The kind of medication one takes is based on the symptoms they experience as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal for people to try several different medicines before you find one that is effective.
A doctor will also take into consideration a person's family history and medical history. If a patient suffers from a heart disease or an extended family history of substance abuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They don't have the same risk of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medicines may interact with others and you should inform your doctor if taking any other medication. Antidepressants like atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) increase levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to people suffering from ADHD especially when they suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely used in combination with stimulants because they have a high risk for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can instruct you on coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can aid you in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example can help you understand the reasons why you are having trouble at work and school and teach you how to deal with these challenges. Support groups can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. They're not your only option. Some people may prefer non-stimulant medications and it's crucial to consult your physician to determine the best dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medicines help by balancing and increasing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for certain people. They are often prescribed with stimulant medications in order to increase their effectiveness and reduce unwanted negative side negative effects.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve the quality of attention. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants, and don't have the same danger of abuse. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a slight relaxing effect and can increase concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that just as each person has their own biochemistry, so do the medications they take. The first drug you or your child takes might not be the best, and the one that is effective for you or your child may have bothersome side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD but they're not suitable for all. Antidepressants are a great option for those who aren't able to handle the negative adverse effects of stimulants or don't find that the medication works for them.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical that has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -- norepinephrine, and dopamine within the brain. It can also be used to treat depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it if you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you are at risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that boosts levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve focus, concentration and manage impulse-driven behavior. It was the FDA's first nonstimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally thought to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Your doctor may also use alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine These are blood pressure medications that can reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This is especially useful for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your thinking and behavior. This type of therapy is typically done by an therapist. You could also consider diet and supplementation however, make sure to consult with your doctor prior to trying these methods. In many cases, a combination between treatment and medication that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people suffering from ADHD get diagnosed in childhood, but some receive a diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which could affect their work performance as well as social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help adults with ADHD to concentrate, feel calmer and control the impulsive behavior.
If stimulants don't work or cause unacceptably adverse negative side effects, some people take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. adhd medications for adults are called alpha-2 agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications also aid with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the drugs are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another drug that is prescribed for ADHD. It is available under the brand names Wellbutrin or Zyban. It is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It has also been shown to reduce agitation and insomnia in bipolar disorder sufferers.
While these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Adults may have to test several different drugs before they find the one that works for them. The medications aren't an effective treatment for ADHD, so a person must continue taking them to stop the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will be able to monitor the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve the ability of an individual to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms and often trigger negative side effects that must be addressed. Some of these side effects can be mild, but others can be more serious. Many of these drugs can cause sleep issues, headaches and loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dosage of a medication or suggest a different one.
Other medications are used to treat specific types of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but rather increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective at improving attention than stimulants, but they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different type of medication that has been shown to be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse reactions such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People suffering from ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and involves working with a trained therapist to learn skills that can assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial to family members and friends who have to deal with someone with ADHD. medication for adhd with ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities which can provide strategies for coping.